The tragic accident on the A830 involving Fergus Ward, Lewis Knox, and Jordan Cameron has left the community in mourning.
A heartbroken head teacher has expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of three former students who perished in a severe car crash in the Scottish Highlands.
Fergus Ward, Lewis Knox, and Jordan Cameron tragically lost their lives in an accident on the A830 road between Mallaig and Arisaig. Emergency services rushed to the site after receiving reports of a white Ford Fiesta veering off the roadway around 11:15 PM on Thursday, August 28.
Despite prompt response from ambulance teams, the driver and two passengers, all in their mid-teens, were pronounced deceased at the location of the accident.
The three teens were students at Lochaber High School in Fort William where Scott Steele, the head teacher, reported that the school community is profoundly affected by the tragedy.
In his heartfelt message posted on the school’s website, Mr. Steele conveyed his distress, stating, “It is with profound sadness that we mourn the sudden loss of three of our former students, Jordan Cameron, Lewis Knox, and Fergus Ward.”
“There are no words to describe our shock and sorrow. My heart goes out to their families and friends during this incredibly tough time.”
“As a school, we are committed to supporting our students and their families. Below is the organized support information. Now, more than ever, we need to come together and support each other,” he added.
The local community has been profoundly affected by the tragedy, and many tributes have been posted online. All three boys were enthusiastic athletes, with Fergus and Lewis frequently participating in the Fort William Shinty Club.
In a statement released on Saturday morning, the club said: “It is with great sadness that our community has lost three young local men this week. Our deepest heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Fergus, Lewis, and Jordan at this very difficult time.”
“The boys will be greatly missed by their families, friends, and the wider community. May they rest in peace,” the statement concluded.
Jordan was a key player for Fort William Football Club’s title-winning Under-18 side last season and also played for the reserve team in the West Highland League after progressing through the youth system.
In a statement on Saturday night, the club remarked: “Jordan was an exceptional footballer who had been with our youth system for many years. He played a significant role in our U-18s as they secured the championship at the end of the season.”
A memorial has been set up by friends at the Lochaber Leisure Centre next to King George V Park, where locals are invited to pay their respects.
Flowers have been placed beside the road along with a banner reading: “RIP Fergus, Lewis, Jordan”. The young men’s friends, deeply affected by the loss, gathered at a local pub on Friday night to honor their memories.
Meanwhile, Fergus’ grieving mother paid tribute to her son by changing her profile picture to an image of him, captioned: “Fly high my sweet boy”. Lewis’ mother Liz also updated her profile picture to a photo of her son with a dog, while Lochaber High School in Fort William reached out to students, parents, and staff through social media.
